As president of the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association, Ray Willoughby travels to places like Washington D.C. promoting the fine quality of Texas wool.

One could argue he’s got enough challenges promoting wool in his own state.

Willoughby became a little miffed recently when a reporter called to inform him that Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, had ordered a $36,000-wool rug for his Capitol apartment – from New Zealand.

“I wished he’d done some checking,” Willoughby said from Washington. “We raise sheep with some of the finest wool anywhere. It’s just as fine and as good as wool from anywhere in the world.”

Including New Zealand, he added.

Craddick’s spokeswoman, Alexis DeLee, defended the carpet choice for the Speaker’s apartment and said it was selected by both Craddick’s wife, Nadine, and the State Preservation Board.

While no one meant to slight Texas wool, New Zealand wool was considered “the industry standard,” DeLee said.

Willoughby suggested that the Speaker consider cancelling the order for the foreign carpet. “He’d save on shipping,” Willoughby said.

DeLee said there’d be no cancelled order. Half the money had already been paid.

The new rug is technically not part of the extensive renovations Craddick has ordered for his 2,000 – square-foot quarters in the Capitol. He’s come under criticism for asking private donors  often with business before the Legislature  to fund the cost of that work, which could top $1 million. Private donors are also expected to pick up the carpet tab, DeLee said.